Chapter 35: Chapter 35: Condensing a Spirit Ring from Different Flames?
The voice of Tianmeng Iceworm resonated again, explaining, "The second martial spirit I granted you with my million-year spirit ring has an attribute but no form. Once you absorb an ice-attribute spirit ring, it will take on a fixed form. Whatever spirit beast you absorb the ring from will determine the shape of your second martial spirit. I've already got everything planned out for you."
"Tianmeng, what exactly do you have in mind for me?" Xiao Yan asked, nodding as he tried to grasp the concept.
"I plan to take you to the Far North sometime when you're free. There, you'll find the spirit ring that will define your second martial spirit," Tianmeng Iceworm replied.
As Tianmeng finished speaking, Yao Lao's voice interrupted. "Big bug, did you say Xiao Yan's second martial spirit currently only has an attribute, with no shape?"
"Yes, sir," Tianmeng Iceworm nodded obediently.
Swallowing slightly, a glint of excitement flashed in Yao Lao's eyes. His palm opened, and a faint, chilling aura began to swirl in his palm.
"What's happening? Why is it suddenly so cold?" Tianmeng muttered in confusion. Then, its face shifted, staring intensely at Yao Lao's palm. A small, ghostly white flame hovered there, radiating an extreme chill.
"Sir, your flame feels incredibly hot, yet somehow cold as ice. How is that possible?" Tianmeng's confusion deepened.
With a rare, proud smile, Yao Lao replied, "This flame isn't from this world. It's called Bone-Chilling Flame. It has dual attributes: when burning hot, it scorches everything; when icy cold, it freezes everything. It's an unusual blend of both extremes."
"Bone-Chilling Flame? Teacher, is this the strange flame you mentioned before?" Xiao Yan asked, his gaze fixed on the eerie white fire.
"Yes." Yao Lao's usually calm face showed a rare trace of fear as he spoke. "When I was on the Dou Qi Continent, I spent eight long years in darkness to find this flame. Even with all my preparations, I almost turned to ash when I finally tried to absorb it."
Tianmeng Iceworm, still puzzled, asked, "Sir, why have you brought out this flame? Does it have something to do with Xiao Yan's second martial spirit?"
Stroking his beard thoughtfully, Yao Lao paused, his expression shifting as he continued, "On this continent, people cultivate by absorbing spirit rings, taking the essence of spirit beasts to strengthen themselves. Spirit rings are a form of energy, and Bone-Chilling Flame is also a unique energy source. If I inject a wisp of the flame's essence into Xiao Yan…"
"It might allow him to condense a spirit ring from the flame's energy."
"Spirit rings are essentially energy containers, and Bone-Chilling Flame is an extreme form of energy. If Xiao Yan successfully absorbs it and condenses a spirit ring from it, then his second martial spirit will be Bone-Chilling Flame itself."
"What?" Tianmeng Iceworm's voice was dazed. After a moment, it sighed, saying, "Sir, your idea sounds feasible, but... I already had a different plan for Xiao Yan's second martial spirit."
"???" Yao Lao's brows furrowed in confusion.
With a heavy sigh, Tianmeng began, "I knew I wouldn't be able to hide this forever. We'll be together for a long time, so I might as well tell you everything." Tianmeng Iceworm then explained its grand plan to help Xiao Yan ascend to godhood by offering itself as a spirit ring with retained wisdom. It even revealed that it intended to lead Xiao Yan to the Far North to obtain the Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion as a martial spirit, and how soul beasts like itself endure tribulations every hundred thousand years—explaining its desire to make Xiao Yan a god and, eventually, secure an eternal bond with him.
"A god?" Xiao Yan's curiosity was piqued.
Yao Lao, equally intrigued, took a moment to ponder before saying, "On this continent, the strongest Titled Douluo would be comparable to a half-step Dou Zong back on the Dou Qi Continent. A so-called 'god' here would likely match the strength of a Dou Zong, no more. For someone like me, taking down a Dou Zong—your so-called 'god'—would be a trivial matter."
Tianmeng Iceworm's entire body trembled, awe apparent in its eyes, as it tried to comprehend the old man's immense power.
"But... if Xiao Yan doesn't go to the Far North to seek out the Ice Emperor, then what will become of her? Her four-hundred-thousand-year mark is approaching fast. You have to understand, I truly care about her. I can't lose her." Tianmeng's tone was laced with sorrow and reluctance.
Yao Lao's voice remained calm as he replied, "The Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion may be a top-tier beast here, but in my world, it would be no more than a fifth-tier magical beast, equivalent to a Dou Wang. Compared to my Bone-Chilling Flame, it's not even close."
"Big bug, no need to fret. I have a way to help your beloved pass her tribulation."
Tianmeng's mood instantly lifted, its voice full of excitement. "Sir, what's the plan?"
"In the Dou Qi Continent, there's a pill called the Transformation Pill, which enables a magical beast to fully transform into human form, preserving the beast's longevity and gaining human cultivation potential." Yao Lao paused thoughtfully before continuing.
"I know how to refine this pill. All we need are ingredients with equivalent effects here, and I can make it. Alternatively, there's another path: your beloved could follow your example and offer herself as a spirit ring for Xiao Yan, becoming his intelligent spirit ring. This way, you could be together indefinitely."
"Ultimately, though, the choice is hers to make."